List of Governors

Welcome to the Governors' section of the Ridgeway Academy website which I hope you will find interesting and informative.

This section give a broad outline of the role of the Governors, how we go about fulfilling our responsibilities and who we are. 

Chair of Governors

 Liz Tillet

 Co-opted Governors Term: 01.09.2022 - 31.12.2026

Co-opted Governors

 Mrs Sally Parrett

Co-opted Governor Term: 11.07.2023 - 10.07.2027

I was born in Cambridge, moving to Hertfordshire in 1962 where I was educated and worked. I have carried out various roles in banking and financial services. For 12 years I worked in education in Hertfordshire, retiring in 2018, having been employed in various roles across Key Stage 1-5 in mainstream schools specialising in Special Education Needs and Student Wellbeing where I supported students, staff, parent/carers and worked with outside agencies.

As a mature student I attended University of Hertfordshire gaining a degree in Education Studies with a specialism in Disabilities and Learning. I also attended the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education gaining further experience and qualification in Counselling Adolescents. More recently I returned to the University of Hertfordshire and successfully completed the Foundation course in Art Therapy.

While employed in schools I have acted as a Staff Governor and wanting to put all my experience to good use, I became a Governor at Ridgeway Academy.  I believe in behaviour for learning and creating a safe, secure environment in school while supporting and developing the wellbeing of students.

I am the link governor for behaviour, attitude and culture.

Mr Daniel Townson

Co-opted Governor Term: 18.08.2026 - 17.08.2030

Having grown up in Staffordshire, I have spent most of my life in the North before moving to St Alban's over ten years ago to take up my first teaching role. My wife and I have two children and a cat who mean the world to us. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, travelling, playing golf (though this needs some work) and spending time as a family.

In my mind, education plays one of the most vital roles in children's development, which inspired me to become a teacher. I have worked in both the state and independent sectors, teaching Maths and PE, leading as a Head of Department and currently as a Housemaster. During this time, I have completed an MSc in Learning and Teaching at Oxford University and an apprenticeship in Education Management.

I am committed to ensuring high aspirations for all the children attending Ridgeway Academy, as well as a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all. I'm prepared to give time, challenge, strategic leadership, skills and knowledge to create highly effective governance.

I am the link governor for standards and quality of education.

Trust Appointed Governors

Daniel Carr

Trust Appointed Governor: 29.06.2026 - 28.06.2030

Having grown up in Leicestershire, I moved to Hertfordshire 20 years ago to start my career in education.  My wife, who is also a teacher, and I now live in the local area with our daughter.

I have spent over 20 years working in secondary education, across both the state and independent sector, in both co-educational and single sex environments.  Beyond my subject specialism of Modern Foreign Languages, I also work asan Assistant Head,whereI oversee pupil progress and outcomes and curriculum structure. I also oversee examinations and SEND and have a strong understanding of compliance in these areas, supported by my work as a School Inspector. This work has also allowed me to see a variety of best practice in teaching and learning across several settings.  I also work as EVC in my own school supporting extra-curricular opportunities for pupils, which are so important in their holistic development.

Away from work, I enjoy sport and travel and can often be seen refereeing rugby matches across the county on weekends.

I am joining the governing body at Ridgeway to support the educational journey for its pupils, and to draw on my experience to support the school in fostering positive outcomes for all. 

Roop Roy

Trust Appointed Governor: 10.12.2025 - 09.12.2029

Roop is an Executive Director at a large global bank with nearly two decades of experience leading strategy and transformation initiatives across cross-functional teams. He has driven major programs collaborating across multiple stakeholder in the business, technology and operations teams. Roop's core strengths are in defining strategic vision, oversight of delivery roadmaps, stakeholder communications and fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.

 He holds a Masters in International Business and is passionate about mentoring, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

 Roop lives in St Albans with his wife and two children, both of whom attend a school within the Trust. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports, cooking and travelling. 

Cameron Smith

Trust Appointed Governor: 02.04.2025 - 01.04.2029

I have been a primary school governor in Hertfordshire since 2012 including eight years as Chair. I initially became a governor to support my own son's school and had responded to a school notice regarding vacancies at the time, I became a parent governor and quickly realised that governance provides essential support for all children everywhere. I have supported three primary schools in total including a current post at a primary school in Watford. I am excited to be at Ridgeway, I have agreed to be the link governor for disadvantaged students including SEND, pupil premium and children looked after.

Born and bred in Swansea, South Wales, I attended one of the largest comprehensive schools in the UK. Subsequently, I left home to pursue studies at South Bank Polytechnic in London, following which I become a member of the RICS in 1986.

I have lived in Hertfordshire since 2009, I have a daughter who now lives overseas and a son who attends secondary school in St Albans.

Wanting to give something back is a well-worn phrase, but for most Governors this is true. I work full time in the Construction Industry, I am not an educationalist, and I love being a Governor 

David Soltysik

Trust Appointed Governor: 01.09.2025 - 31.08.2029

I am currently the Head of Media Studies and the Key Stage 4 English Coordinator at Presdales School. I have taught in three very different schools during my career – from those judged outstanding to those requiring improvement – and each experience has shaped my approach and strengthened my commitment to helping students succeed.

As a governor, I bring a deep understanding of the classroom, curriculum and the wider challenges schools face. I am especially passionate about creating opportunities for young people and encouraging them to seize every one of them with both hands. I often remind my students, 'You will never have this opportunity again', and I firmly believe in the importance of making every moment count.

I am also a strong advocate for the use of education technology to enhance learning and engagement. I believe that when used effectively, technology can open doors, and better prepare students for the modern world. My aim is always to support and challenge the school to ensure that all pupils, regardless of background, can thrive and reach their full potential. I am the link governor for attendance.

 Parent Governors

 Mr Will Rogers

Parent Governor: 06.10.2025 - 05.10.2029

I have lived in Hertfordshire and Welwyn Garden City my whole life. I currently work for Hertfordshire County Council and previously, Hertfordshire Police for many years before moving into the utility sector then HCC.

I have two children, both who currently attend Ridgeway Academy. I believe our children deserve the best education possible to reach their full potential. I have a zero tolerance for bullying and want to improve the school environment for anyone struggling with mental health, promote the schools core ethics and champion equality and fairness.

My hobbies include watching films, socialising with friends and family and listening to music as well as playing the piano.

 

Staff Governor

 Mrs Nicola Picariello

Staff Governor: 08.12.2024 - 07.12.2028

 Ex-Officio Governor

Sarah Mitcherson

Headteacher: Ex-Officio Governor

I am delighted to welcome you to Ridgeway Academy.  We are committed to providing an excellent education equipping your child to achieve their best academically, grow personally, and prepare for a successful future.  We work hard at Ridgeway Academy and our expectation is that everyone endeavours to do their best in all that they do.

The very highest standards of conduct, respect, effort and personal attainment are our goal for all members of our school.  We are a caring and well-disciplined school and our key aim is to ensure that all students realise their potential. We are a happy school, with an energetic and talented staff committed to the achievement of our young people. Everyone has a part to play at Ridgeway Academy and everyone is listened to. Team work is precious, but so too are initiative and originality. We encourage positive attitudes and a ‘can-do’ culture. We provide a secure, safe environment in which all our young people feel valued, where they can develop the skills, attributes and confidence which will serve them well throughout their life.

Governor Membership 2026

Types of Governors 

Trust Appointed Local Governors are appointed by the Trust Board.  They are recruited from within the community served by the school for the skills and knowledge that they can bring to the Local Governing Boards.

Parent Local Governors are elected by all parents at the school.  They are representative of the parent body but the views they express at meetings are their own – they need not canvass parental opinion on every issue, or report back to parents on decisions taken: that is the responsibility of the whole of the Governing Body.

Staff Local Governors are elected by all other staff.  Anyone who is paid to work at the school is eligible for election.  Like Parent Governors they are representative of staff but the views they express at meetings are their own – they need not canvas staff opinion on every issue.

Contact

Queries about the management of Ridgeway Academy and the progress of any individual child should be directed in the first instance to the school through the prescribed channels as set out in the Communications Policy.  However, if you have any queries for the governors or wish to let us know your views on the school, please email: governors@ridgeway.aetrust.uk